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Looking at the NBA schedule for Friday, the Lakers vs Suns is one of the biggest matchups on the docket. The game will feature two of the top teams in the Western Conference since the trade deadline.
While this is a big game in the final week of the regular season, one of the two could be without two of its key players. Per the latest injury report, LeBron James (foot soreness) and Anthony Davis (stress injury) are both listed as questionable.
The Phoenix Suns are on the second leg of a back-to-back, but it looks like their lineup will be in action. They faced off against the top-seeded Denver Nuggets Thursday night and came away with a four-point win.
These two teams faced off two weeks ago, resulting in a 11-point win for the LA Lakers. However, it is the Suns who hold a 2-1 advantage in the season series.
For those who want to tune into the Lakers vs Suns, the action is set to begin at 10:30 pm Eastern Time and will be aired on NBA TV.
Playoff implications of Lakers vs Suns
With only two games to go in the regular season, things can still change in regards to the Western Conference standings. The Lakers vs Suns could alter the playoff picture slightly if one team comes out on top.
Looking at the Phoenix Suns, they are pretty much locked into the fourth seed. They are three games behind the Sacramento Kings in third, and the LA Clippers are three games behind them in fifth. These final games will be used to get Kevin Durant as many reps as possible before the playoffs without overdoing it.
Despite suffering a big loss at the hands of the LA Clippers, LeBron James and the Lakers can still climb in the standings. They are only one game behind the Clippers and Golden State Warriors, who sit in fifth and sixth place. If they want any shot at avoiding the play-in tournament, they'll need to come away with wins in their final two games.
At this moment, the Suns have the power to change who they face if they so choose. Allowing the Lakers to win could change who takes over as the fifth seed.
Betting odds for Lakers vs Suns
Despite their stars being on the injury report, the Lakers head into this matchup as huge favorites. Here is a breakdown of all the betting odds for this battle of Western Conference foes:
Spread: Lakers -9.5 (-105) Suns +9.5 (-115)
Moneyline: Lakers (-410) Suns (+330)
Over/Under: 226.5 (-110)
